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Power Distribution center [message #151207] Thu, 01 December 2011 16:33 Go to next message
LYNN L   United States
Messages: 140
Registered: March 2005
Location: Pearland TX.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some with a charger, inverters attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination converter charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
Lynn SR.


Lynn L 76 Eleganza Cad.500 Pearland TX.

[Updated on: Thu, 01 December 2011 16:34]

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151210 is a reply to message #151207] Thu, 01 December 2011 16:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member

On Dec 1, 2011, at 3:33 PM, LYNN LAYCOCK wrote:

>
>
> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
> Lynn SR.
Why do you need a new panel? If the breakers are bad you can just replace them.
Just take a breaker to Home Depot or Lowes and you can find ones that match.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM


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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151211 is a reply to message #151207] Thu, 01 December 2011 16:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jayrabe is currently offline  jayrabe   United States
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
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Senior Member

My wish list has a Blue Sea 8027 on it. Comes with 2-30a mains and 3-15a breakers with spaces for 3 more. May be a little undersized for the coach, but I sure like the looks of it. Form over function?

Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: lynn_sr@msn.com
> Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2011 16:33:12 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>
> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
> Lynn SR.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151214 is a reply to message #151207] Thu, 01 December 2011 17:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
Senior Member
You might consider doing your own panel. Poco Sales in LA sells Carling
breakers pretty reasonably. These are the same as you would find on
powerboats. Basically its a 5/8 hole in a panel with a couple of smaller
holes for the mounting screws. You can mix and match colors and amperages.
Here is a link,

http://tinyurl.com/6ov62pz

Here is a link to the panel we did.

http://tinyurl.com/7857hbp

I think the breakers were about $12.00 each. The panel is carbon fiber plate
but a nice piece of 3/32 aluminum would work great as well with a nice
black wrinkle finish paint job.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "LYNN LAYCOCK" <lynn_sr@msn.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 2:33 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center


>
>
> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before
> it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement
> panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some
> with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but
> the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger
> that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the
> charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers
> that would also solve the problem. Thanks
> Lynn SR.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151217 is a reply to message #151214] Thu, 01 December 2011 17:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hnielsen2 is currently offline  hnielsen2   United States
Messages: 1434
Registered: February 2004
Location: Alpine CA
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Gary
Nice.
Thanks
Howard
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Worobec" <gtw5@earthlink.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 15:01
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center


> You might consider doing your own panel. Poco Sales in LA sells Carling
> breakers pretty reasonably. These are the same as you would find on
> powerboats. Basically its a 5/8 hole in a panel with a couple of smaller
> holes for the mounting screws. You can mix and match colors and amperages.
> Here is a link,
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6ov62pz
>
> Here is a link to the panel we did.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/7857hbp
>
> I think the breakers were about $12.00 each. The panel is carbon fiber
> plate
> but a nice piece of 3/32 aluminum would work great as well with a nice
> black wrinkle finish paint job.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LYNN LAYCOCK" <lynn_sr@msn.com>
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 2:33 PM
> Subject: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>>
>>
>> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it
>> before
>> it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement
>> panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some
>> with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but
>> the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger
>> that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the
>> charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers
>> that would also solve the problem. Thanks
>> Lynn SR.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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All is well with my Lord
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151241 is a reply to message #151214] Thu, 01 December 2011 20:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dolph Santorine is currently offline  Dolph Santorine   United States
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
Senior Member
Nice work, Gary. Thanks for sharing.

Tell me about the ceiling in your coach. I like the look of it a lot.

Dolph


On Dec 1, 2011, at 6:01 PM, Gary Worobec wrote:

> You might consider doing your own panel. Poco Sales in LA sells Carling
> breakers pretty reasonably. These are the same as you would find on
> powerboats. Basically its a 5/8 hole in a panel with a couple of smaller
> holes for the mounting screws. You can mix and match colors and amperages.
> Here is a link,
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6ov62pz
>
> Here is a link to the panel we did.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/7857hbp
>
> I think the breakers were about $12.00 each. The panel is carbon fiber plate
> but a nice piece of 3/32 aluminum would work great as well with a nice
> black wrinkle finish paint job.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LYNN LAYCOCK" <lynn_sr@msn.com>
> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 2:33 PM
> Subject: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>>
>>
>> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before
>> it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement
>> panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some
>> with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but
>> the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger
>> that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the
>> charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers
>> that would also solve the problem. Thanks
>> Lynn SR.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151251 is a reply to message #151241] Thu, 01 December 2011 20:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Ceiling is FRP showerboard from Home Depot. Then a layer of 1/4 foam and
then regular auto upholstery material. You need to use high temp headliner
adhesive for this type of job. I made the panels small. All are about 24 x
43 and held up with aluminum trim, painted grey and then countersunk sheet
metal screws into the aluminum coach girders. It's easy then to remove a
single panel to do some work if needed. I insulated behind the panels with 1
1/2" foil covered urethane. Its' rigid foam but with a sharp knife and a
case of Corona it's not too bad of a job.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Dolph Santorine" <dolph@dolphsantorine.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center


> Nice work, Gary. Thanks for sharing.
>
> Tell me about the ceiling in your coach. I like the look of it a lot.
>
> Dolph
>
>
> On Dec 1, 2011, at 6:01 PM, Gary Worobec wrote:
>
>> You might consider doing your own panel. Poco Sales in LA sells Carling
>> breakers pretty reasonably. These are the same as you would find on
>> powerboats. Basically its a 5/8 hole in a panel with a couple of smaller
>> holes for the mounting screws. You can mix and match colors and
>> amperages.
>> Here is a link,
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/6ov62pz
>>
>> Here is a link to the panel we did.
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/7857hbp
>>
>> I think the breakers were about $12.00 each. The panel is carbon fiber
>> plate
>> but a nice piece of 3/32 aluminum would work great as well with a nice
>> black wrinkle finish paint job.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Gary and Joanne Worobec
>> 1973 GMC Glacier
>> Anza, CA
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "LYNN LAYCOCK" <lynn_sr@msn.com>
>> To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
>> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 2:33 PM
>> Subject: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it
>>> before
>>> it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement
>>> panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some
>>> with charger,invertors attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but
>>> the cost is awful high. I already have a combination convertor charger
>>> that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so
>>> the
>>> charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers
>>> that would also solve the problem. Thanks
>>> Lynn SR.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151256 is a reply to message #151211] Thu, 01 December 2011 21:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LYNN L   United States
Messages: 140
Registered: March 2005
Location: Pearland TX.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Gary, thanks for the url. Lots of good stuff.
Lynn Sr.


Lynn L 76 Eleganza Cad.500 Pearland TX.
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151257 is a reply to message #151210] Thu, 01 December 2011 21:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LYNN L   United States
Messages: 140
Registered: March 2005
Location: Pearland TX.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Emery, no match so far at either place. My breakers say murray on them and the stab for the bus is a slot in the top with the contact about a 1/2" deep. I think I may have found a site that has them at $14.00 apiece plus shipping.

Lynn L 76 Eleganza Cad.500 Pearland TX.
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151262 is a reply to message #151257] Thu, 01 December 2011 22:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Lynn,
My '77 Kingsley GMC original breakers are Bryant ones, and I got them mail order from the place below, even though it's not far away from me in Flint.

At any rate, I notice they do carry Murray breakers, not sure if they are the right ones for you. Might be worth a call or e-mail, though.

<http://www.aplussupply.com/break/murray/murray.htm>



Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: Power Distribution center [message #151265 is a reply to message #151207] Thu, 01 December 2011 22:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
If they were 15 amp for 14AWG romex,you should not go to 20A unless you rewire to 12 AWG. Hard to put the smoke back in the coach when it leaks out.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: Power Distribution center [message #151291 is a reply to message #151207] Fri, 02 December 2011 07:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
LYNN LAYCOCK wrote on Thu, 01 December 2011 17:33

My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some with a charger, inverters attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination converter charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
Lynn SR.

Lynn,

If you have a GMC (or Gemini) upfit coach, the breakers are all a type called 1"NEMA. These were made a standard in response to people that tore out Edison base(like a light bulb) fuse boxes only to have the company that made their new panel:
A- go out of business or
B- quit supporting that panel design.
All 1" breakers are supposed to be interchangeable. Sometimes they are not because the panel and/or breaker manufacturer has include a minor non-standard feature to the breaker or box. But.... As the primary features of the breaker are defined by the code, these features can usually be accommodated with a dremal and about 10 seconds work on the breaker body.

The reason you do not see a boat-like AC panel in coaches is very simple. Many states (starting with California) required that anything that was intended as a dwelling (but did not have to meet USCG rules) had to comply with BOCA, NEC, NFPA and IAPMO codes just like the stationary homes. And yes, some of this is stupid, but that is bureaucracy at its best. (IMHO)

The one thing that will be very difficult to replace would be the two 15/40s that seem to be unique to GMC. These sort of things used to be available as special order, but I doubt that is still the case.

As someone else stated, don't go replacing 15 amp breakers with 20. The chance of that ending badly is real high.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151314 is a reply to message #151291] Fri, 02 December 2011 11:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jayrabe is currently offline  jayrabe   United States
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Matt,
Two questions. First, does your comment about "dwellings" having to meet code mean that whoever might be inclined to build their own panel like Worobec did so beautifully is risking getting slapped somewhere down the line by an over-enthusiastic inspector?
Second, regarding the OEM dual-40 main: the Blue Sea panel I mentioned only has a dual-30 main. Would that be a problem in our coaches?
Thanks,

Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: matt7323tze@gmail.com
> Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 07:36:18 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>
> LYNN LAYCOCK wrote on Thu, 01 December 2011 17:33
> > My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have found some with a charger, inverters attached and spaces for 15 fused dc circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination converter charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part# for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
> > Lynn SR.
>
> Lynn,
>
> If you have a GMC (or Gemini) upfit coach, the breakers are all a type called 1"NEMA. These were made a standard in response to people that tore out Edison base(like a light bulb) fuse boxes only to have the company that made their new panel:
> A- go out of business or
> B- quit supporting that panel design.
> All 1" breakers are supposed to be interchangeable. Sometimes they are not because the panel and/or breaker manufacturer has include a minor non-standard feature to the breaker or box. But.... As the primary features of the breaker are defined by the code, these features can usually be accommodated with a dremal and about 10 seconds work on the breaker body.
>
> The reason you do not see a boat-like AC panel in coaches is very simple. Many states (starting with California) required that anything that was intended as a dwelling (but did not have to meet USCG rules) had to comply with BOCA, NEC, NFPA and IAPMO codes just like the stationary homes. And yes, some of this is stupid, but that is bureaucracy at its best. (IMHO)
>
> The one thing that will be very difficult to replace would be the two 15/40s that seem to be unique to GMC. These sort of things used to be available as special order, but I doubt that is still the case.
>
> As someone else stated, don't go replacing 15 amp breakers with 20. The chance of that ending badly is real high.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> '73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151335 is a reply to message #151262] Fri, 02 December 2011 15:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LYNN L   United States
Messages: 140
Registered: March 2005
Location: Pearland TX.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Craig,those look like a winner. Thanks..

Lynn L 76 Eleganza Cad.500 Pearland TX.
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151339 is a reply to message #151314] Fri, 02 December 2011 16:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
jayrabe wrote on Fri, 02 December 2011 12:34

Matt,
Two questions. First, does your comment about "dwellings" having to meet code mean that whoever might be inclined to build their own panel like Worobec did so beautifully is risking getting slapped somewhere down the line by an over-enthusiastic inspector?
Second, regarding the OEM dual-40 main: the Blue Sea panel I mentioned only has a dual-30 main. Would that be a problem in our coaches?
Thanks,

Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR

Jay,

Those are two very valid questions.

Executive summary:
Not much chance And
Probably not

Discussion:
If you were to build and/or install a non-code panel in your coach, I believe you would not be at any risk at all. I have never known of a coach to be inspected by a competent and code knowledgeable person (the equivalent of a marine surveyor) at any time in it's life after it was shipped from the manufacturer. Some Canadian member just had an insurance inspection that actually sounded like a good idea.

I have a panel with the two 40amp breakers. I cannot even imagine a way to load those to limit and I have added three new circuits to the box...... Many of the other RVs (and a few GMCs have only a single 30amp feed. They seem to get by all right (unless they want to run two AC units and something else that is a big load. If you had two 15k ACs running flat out, and were running the microwave to roast a turkey and the same time you were taking a waterworks type shower, you could be in trouble with only a 30A-240V feed.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151346 is a reply to message #151339] Fri, 02 December 2011 17:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jayrabe is currently offline  jayrabe   United States
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Thanks Matt,
Great info!
Jay


> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: matt7323tze@gmail.com
> Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 16:32:14 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>
> jayrabe wrote on Fri, 02 December 2011 12:34
> > Matt,
> > Two questions. First, does your comment about "dwellings" having to meet code mean that whoever might be inclined to build their own panel like Worobec did so beautifully is risking getting slapped somewhere down the line by an over-enthusiastic inspector?
> > Second, regarding the OEM dual-40 main: the Blue Sea panel I mentioned only has a dual-30 main. Would that be a problem in our coaches?
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jay Rabe
> > 76 PB
> > Portland, OR
>
> Jay,
>
> Those are two very valid questions.
>
> Executive summary:
> Not much chance And
> Probably not
>
> Discussion:
> If you were to build and/or install a non-code panel in your coach, I believe you would not be at any risk at all. I have never known of a coach to be inspected by a competent and code knowledgeable person (the equivalent of a marine surveyor) at any time in it's life after it was shipped from the manufacturer. Some Canadian member just had an insurance inspection that actually sounded like a good idea.
>
> I have a panel with the two 40amp breakers. I cannot even imagine a way to load those to limit and I have added three new circuits to the box...... Many of the other RVs (and a few GMCs have only a single 30amp feed. They seem to get by all right (unless they want to run two AC units and something else that is a big load. If you had two 15k ACs running flat out, and were running the microwave to roast a turkey and the same time you were taking a waterworks type shower, you could be in trouble with only a 30A-240V feed.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> '73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151493 is a reply to message #151314] Sat, 03 December 2011 21:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Hi Jay,
I would venture that any inspector worth his salt would be happy to see
modern hydraulic circuit breakers instead of the house type. I don't know
about your coach but mine came with the AC wired with solid strand ROMEX
just like the stuff you put in your house. How that ever passed anyones
inspection at the factory is beyond me. My coach is an early 73 so the newer
ones might have stranded wire on the AC side.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay Rabe" <jayrabe@hotmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 9:34 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center



Matt,
Two questions. First, does your comment about "dwellings" having to meet
code mean that whoever might be inclined to build their own panel like
Worobec did so beautifully is risking getting slapped somewhere down the
line by an over-enthusiastic inspector?
Second, regarding the OEM dual-40 main: the Blue Sea panel I mentioned only
has a dual-30 main. Would that be a problem in our coaches?
Thanks,

Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR

> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: matt7323tze@gmail.com
> Date: Fri, 2 Dec 2011 07:36:18 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
>
>
> LYNN LAYCOCK wrote on Thu, 01 December 2011 17:33
> > My breakers are starting to wear out and one showed arc marks on it
> > before it opened up for good. Does anyone have a suggestion for a
> > replacement panel that will hold 2-40 amp and 6-20 amp breakers. I have
> > found some with a charger, inverters attached and spaces for 15 fused dc
> > circuits but the cost is awful high. I already have a combination
> > converter charger that I will eventually install with 2 more batteries
> > for ac power, so the charger is not needed. If anyone has a good part#
> > for some new breakers that would also solve the problem. Thanks
> > Lynn SR.
>
> Lynn,
>
> If you have a GMC (or Gemini) upfit coach, the breakers are all a type
> called 1"NEMA. These were made a standard in response to people that tore
> out Edison base(like a light bulb) fuse boxes only to have the company
> that made their new panel:
> A- go out of business or
> B- quit supporting that panel design.
> All 1" breakers are supposed to be interchangeable. Sometimes they are
> not because the panel and/or breaker manufacturer has include a minor
> non-standard feature to the breaker or box. But.... As the primary
> features of the breaker are defined by the code, these features can
> usually be accommodated with a dremal and about 10 seconds work on the
> breaker body.
>
> The reason you do not see a boat-like AC panel in coaches is very simple.
> Many states (starting with California) required that anything that was
> intended as a dwelling (but did not have to meet USCG rules) had to comply
> with BOCA, NEC, NFPA and IAPMO codes just like the stationary homes. And
> yes, some of this is stupid, but that is bureaucracy at its best. (IMHO)
>
> The one thing that will be very difficult to replace would be the two
> 15/40s that seem to be unique to GMC. These sort of things used to be
> available as special order, but I doubt that is still the case.
>
> As someone else stated, don't go replacing 15 amp breakers with 20. The
> chance of that ending badly is real high.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> '73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will
> find
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151516 is a reply to message #151493] Sun, 04 December 2011 07:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Gary Worobec wrote on Sat, 03 December 2011 22:44

Hi Jay,
I would venture that any inspector worth his salt would be happy to see modern hydraulic circuit breakers instead of the house type. I don't know about your coach but mine came with the AC wired with solid strand ROMEX just like the stuff you put in your house. How that ever passed anyone's inspection at the factory is beyond me. My coach is an early 73 so the newer ones might have stranded wire on the AC side.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec

Gary,

You are obviously correct. But Code is Code. I always view it as a minimum specification.

I had an inspector recently tag an installation in a building where I used high strand marine duty NM cable because the pull was a bear. When I showed him that the cable was NM/UF for wet location, and was terminated with gas tight swages (as required) and then showed him the USCG regulations, he let me leave it installed. He did caution me that not being code could lead to problems in the future.

In recent years, my respect for inspectors has plummeted.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151543 is a reply to message #151493] Sun, 04 December 2011 11:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jayrabe is currently offline  jayrabe   United States
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
Senior Member

Hi Gary,


Not sure what "modern Hydraulic CB's" are as opposed to house breakers. If I go to Home Depot and cruise down the breaker aisle, how do I tell the difference? And what's the downside to typical "house" breakers?


I'm pretty sure my AC's and 120vac outlets are all wired with solid wire. What's the problem with that? vibration from the road flexing and fatiguing?


Thanks,


Jay Rabe

76 PB

Portland, OR


> From: gtw5@earthlink.net
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 19:44:46 -0800
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>
> Hi Jay,
> I would venture that any inspector worth his salt would be happy to see
> modern hydraulic circuit breakers instead of the house type. I don't know
> about your coach but mine came with the AC wired with solid strand ROMEX
> just like the stuff you put in your house. How that ever passed anyones
> inspection at the factory is beyond me. My coach is an early 73 so the newer
> ones might have stranded wire on the AC side.
>
> Thanks
>
> Gary and Joanne Worobec
> 1973 GMC Glacier
> Anza, CA
>
>

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Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center [message #151553 is a reply to message #151543] Sun, 04 December 2011 12:14 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
Senior Member
I'm not sure what HD has. I get mine from Poco Sales. They have about as
good a selection as their is.

http://www.pocosales.com/

Thanks,

Gary Worobec
Director, Product Development
PAXTON/PATTERSON
(O) 951-763-0518
(C) 773-230-6226
gtw5@earthlink.net
www.paxtonpatterson.com


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay Rabe" <jayrabe@hotmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2011 9:14 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center


>
> Hi Gary,
>
>
> Not sure what "modern Hydraulic CB's" are as opposed to house breakers. If
> I go to Home Depot and cruise down the breaker aisle, how do I tell the
> difference? And what's the downside to typical "house" breakers?
>
>
> I'm pretty sure my AC's and 120vac outlets are all wired with solid wire.
> What's the problem with that? vibration from the road flexing and
> fatiguing?
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jay Rabe
>
> 76 PB
>
> Portland, OR
>
>
>> From: gtw5@earthlink.net
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 19:44:46 -0800
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power Distribution center
>>
>> Hi Jay,
>> I would venture that any inspector worth his salt would be happy to see
>> modern hydraulic circuit breakers instead of the house type. I don't know
>> about your coach but mine came with the AC wired with solid strand ROMEX
>> just like the stuff you put in your house. How that ever passed anyones
>> inspection at the factory is beyond me. My coach is an early 73 so the
>> newer
>> ones might have stranded wire on the AC side.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Gary and Joanne Worobec
>> 1973 GMC Glacier
>> Anza, CA
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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